Have a happy and healthy holiday season! 

Help communicate with families to keep students healthy

Parent letters are available in multiple languages to inform families and staff about potential exposure to different communicable diseases.

• View our When to keep your child home from school parent letter.
• Check out our When is your child too sick for school? flyer.

Vaccine resources

• For vaccine clinics and events visit the Kid's Vaccine page and Adult Vaccine page.
• Visit the COVID-19 vaccine finder for vaccine locations.

Additional resources

• Infectious Disease Control Guide for School Staff.
• Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction K-12 Health & Safety Guide (2024)—Contains health guidance, including cleaning and disinfecting best practices.
• DOH posted recordings from the K-12 health and safety workshops. 

Respiratory illnesses can be life-threatening

 Pierce County experienced the first death from flu earlier this year.

• Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine.

• RSV immunization is available for older adults, pregnant people, babies, and some toddlers.
• Vaccines are safe and effective. It is safe to get multiple vaccines at the same time.
• It is especially important for people at high risk to get vaccinated.
• For more info, resources, and local data on respiratory diseases, check out our website.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) continues in Pierce County

Pertussis, or “whooping cough,” is caused by bacteria. It is very contagious. It causes a long-lasting, severe cough.

• Pertussis often starts with mild cold symptoms. Then it turns into severe coughing fits followed by gagging, vomiting or a “whoop” sound.
• Some people can develop life-threatening complications—like difficulty breathing, pneumonia or convulsions—that require hospitalization.
• Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis. Kids and adults should get vaccinated to prevent outbreaks, protect themselves, and protect others.

 What if I suspect I have Pertussis?

• Your healthcare provider can test with a swab and prescribe appropriate medication.
• Anyone with pertussis should isolate at home while on a 5-day course of antibiotics.
• You can return to work and school on the sixth day.

Learn more at tpchd.org/pertussis.

Looking ahead to 2025

Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health adopted the proposed 2025 Fee Schedule on Dec. 4, 2024.  

New rates start Jan. 1, 2025.  

Questions?  

Contact us at communitysafety@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1713.